The Associated Press (AP) yesterday announced it has selected thePlatform, a subsidiary of Comcast, to launch 'a more flexible and enhanced' version of its current online video network.

In a press release, AP said the new network, which was originally operated by Microsoft and now attracts '61 million unduplicated unique visitors through its 2,100 affiliate sites', was part of the development of a new technology platform planned for completion by December 2008.

The new version of the video network will make it easier for affiliates to use AP video on their own websites and support higher quality video clips, said Jane Seagrave, AP's senior vice president of global product development.

"As video becomes the storytelling medium of choice on the internet, we’re improving the content as well as the technical environment," she said in the release.

According to Ian Blaine, CEO of thePlatform, the partnership 'is easily one of the largest online video initiatives to occur in 2008.'

"In many ways, it's like launching thousands of individual video sites at the same time, and we're very proud to help the AP provide broader video coverage to millions of viewers," Blaine said.